At the end of 2025, an informational stand was installed in Zvejnieklīcis, located in Sēlpils Parish, Jēkabpils Municipality. The stand presents a map of the historical lands of Sēlija, a description of the site, tourist attractions in the Selonia part of Jēkabpils Municipality, and other useful information for visitors.
A 3D model representing Sēlpils Castle has also been created. While standing near the model, visitors can observe the island in the Daugava River where the castle once stood. Zvejnieklīcis is historically the location of Sēlpils Castle. The model recreates the impression of the ancient castle, of which very little physical evidence has survived. The historical model is based on a drawing from 1704 and data obtained during the architectural research of the Sēlpils hillfort and medieval castle conducted in 2022.
The implementation of these project activities represents a significant contribution to preserving the region’s cultural and historical heritage and to the development of tourism.
The purpose of the Sēlpils Castle model is to visualize lost heritage and strengthen the identity of Sēlpils. Since the physical remains of the castle are no longer visible (they are located on an island in the Daugava River), the informational stand and 3D model serve as:
- Restoration of historical memory: creating a scientifically grounded visual representation of the site’s historical significance.
- Modernization of tourism infrastructure: transforming Zvejnieklīcis into a strategic tourism stop that connects history with the needs of modern travelers.
Visitors gain not only information but also an emotional and educational experience:
- Augmented perception in nature: the model allows comparison between the present landscape (the island in the Daugava) and the historical silhouette of the castle, helping visitors imagine its scale and importance.
- Simplified navigation: the map of Sēlpils’s historical lands and the list of attractions help plan further routes within Jēkabpils Municipality, encouraging longer stays in this region.
- Accessibility: information is available at any time without the need for a guide, making Zvejnieklīcis a convenient self-guided destination.
Within the context of the “Weekend in Village” project, these activities strengthen border country connections: Selonia is a historical region that unites neighboring countries. The installed elements help Lithuanian tourists better understand the shared historical experience and cultural space.
By developing high-quality tourism objects in border areas and regionally significant locations, the project promotes tourist flows between Latvia and Lithuania, advancing the concept of “weekend in the countryside” on both sides of the border. These objects serve as an example of how modern technical solutions (3D modeling, architectural research) can be used to bring history to life.
For local residents, the project reinforces awareness of their area’s historical significance and strengthens a sense of belonging to Selonia. An improved environment attracts more visitors, indirectly increasing demand for local services such as accommodation, home producers, and cafes.
The model and informational stand also serve as valuable resources for school excursions and outdoor history lessons, fostering interest in local history among younger generations.
This project transforms an otherwise empty riverside area into a valuable destination where the “invisible becomes visible,” in that way enhancing Selonia’s competitiveness as a tourism destination on a Baltic scale.
